Airman stays with his dying dog until last breaths

From the moment Air Force Staff Sergeant Kyle Smith met the bomb sniffing German Shepheard, he knew there was something different about him. But what Kyle didn’t know was that he and Bodza would later work together. As Bodza’s handler, Kyle grew to be patient and understanding. It was after Bodza was diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy that he had to apply those skills in a way he thought he would have to. The disease progressed to the point where Bodza was no longer able to walk and it was clear to Kyle what he had to do. As tough as it was to say goodbye to his friend and battle buddy, Kyle stayed with Bodza until his very last breath.